Projects and Projections RANCHER WORKS TO REVIVE LAND THROUGH REGENERATIVE GRAZING
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heldonna Zwicker gazes at a herd of cows grazing from her grade school teacher. She didn’t attend high the land in Yellow Jacket, Colorado. Though school, earning her GED instead, and pursued a college this is one of her favorite pastimes, it is also education through Pueblo Community College. She important research. later transferred to Colorado State University to earn “I spend a lot of time watching cattle because a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and Agricultural it’s fun, but my daughter thinks I’m weird,” Zwicker Economics. She also has a Master of Agricultural Education said grinning at a video she took of a cow gnawing on from Utah State. a cattail. “Most people don’t think that cows eat cattails, “My professors said they love home school kids but they love them.” because they know how to get an education, not be fed Zwicker is a mother of three and a an education. Once you’re out of school “The animals, self-employed cattle rancher, born and there is no reason to quit being educated,” raised in McElmo Canyon. She describes her Zwicker said. “That’s when real education the ground and occupation as a lifestyle, rather than a job. starts: How do you use your education to everything was “In this business, you have a lot of little make a difference or do what you really want projects you do every day,” she said. “So it to do?” really designed doesn’t feel like a real job.” Zwicker applies a variety of different to work together. science, Days are filled with small tasks that will technology, engineering and help Zwicker complete bigger projects. After mathematics skills to help her accomplish I think more sending her children to school, she checks both personal and professional goals. While and more people on the cows and watches what they eat to watching cows graze, she takes note of what determine the health of the herd and when it they are eating, how much ground they cover are finding out is time to move them to the next pasture. and how eating habits change over time. that if we take Zwicker also oversees all operations of “If your cows have what they need, they the ranch – meeting cattle buyers, finding are pretty good at staying healthy,” Zwicker something out suppliers, running errands, paying bills and said. “I don’t want to be feeding the animals of the equation, leasing land for the cows to graze. She for the sake of keeping them fed. I want installs and maintains fences, water tanks then it screws up to figure out how to use them for tools to and other equipment. She helps her husband, improve the land because that is what you’re other stuff.” Dean Ives, run his farm as well. Most of going to pass on to somebody else.” all, she is always learning to better manage her herd to Zwicker said animals and the land are designed to work improve soil health and adapt to the dry conditions. together, and her goal is to find new ways to establish “You start out and you kind of think you know what sustainable practices in Montezuma County through you’re doing,” Zwicker said. “And then you get a few years regenerative dryland grazing. She is developing community down the road, and you realize how much you don’t know. partnerships with other farmers, ranchers and landowners And that’s when you really start trying to learn. It makes through collaborative projects and hopes the outcome you more humble.” increases agricultural opportunities for the next generation. Zwicker went to Battle Rock Charter School until fifth “More than anything, I want to be in a position where grade, then was partially home-schooled with assistance I am able to help other people who are not as fortunate,” she said. Her commitment to the community extends into her volunteer efforts as well. Zwicker serves on the board for Dolores Water Conservancy District and she is a volunteer firefighter for the Yellow Jacket Fire Department. “I always thought it would be cool to be a firefighter when I grew up,” Zwicker said. “Just because you’re a female, or you’re a different color, or you’re from the wrong side of the tracks, none of that should limit your potential.” l
